CSR Press Release

IKEA Named To "World's Most Ethical Companies" List By Ethisphere Magazine

CONSHOHOCKEN, Pa., May 11 /CSRwire/ - IKEA was named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Magazine, a national publication dedicated to illuminating the important correlation between ethics and profit. The elite list of companies were recognized for their strong leadership in ethics and compliance, advancement of industry discourse on social and ethical issues, and positive engagement in the communities in which they operate.

"We are deeply honored to be included in Ethispere Magazine's Most Ethical List. IKEA places great value on having an outstanding team of co-workers who are dedicated to living their everyday work lives with honor and integrity. This type of culture then resonates in all that we do, and all that we stand for in our social and environmental responsibilities," commented Pernille Lopez, IKEA North America President.

Ethisphere Magazine has a circulation of 65,000 global Board members, CEOs, General Counsel, Chief Ethics and Compliance Officers and institutional investors, offers insight to on gaining market share and creating sustainable competitive advantage through ethical business practices and corporate citizenship.

The editors of the magazine chose fewer than 100 companies from a several thousand organizations that they analyzed over a six-month period. "This was a rigorous process that identified a select group of companies that were unequalled in their industries for their commitment to ethical leadership and corporate social responsibility. These organizations go beyond making statements about doing business ethically; they translate those words into action," said Alex Brigham, executive editor of Ethisphere Magazine.

The process included reviewing companies' codes of ethics, litigation and regulatory infraction histories; evaluating investment in innovation and sustainable business practices; looking at companies’ activities to improve corporate citizenship; studying nominations from senior executives, industry peers, suppliers and customers; and working with consumer action groups for feedback and rating.

About IKEA

IKEA places great value on life at home. A comforting spot where family and friends gather, where children learn and grow. A place where laughter is constant. And everyone is welcome to just hang out. An IKEA home is not about bricks and mortar. It’s about beauty, joy and security. Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered home furnishings and accessories of good design and functional living solutions at prices so low that the majority of the people can afford them. Currently there are more than 250 IKEA stores in 34 countries, including 30 in e U.S., where IKEA plans to open three - five stores a year. IKEA has been named to BusinessWeek’s List of The Best Global Brands (August 7, 2006) and for four consecutive years, Working Mother magazine’s annual list of the "100 Best Companies for Working Mothers." IKEA was listed in March 2007, on Fast Company's Fast 50, for its environmentally responsible products, as well as five consecutive years, Training magazine's annual list of top companies that excel at human capital development. Additionally, IKEA has been on FORTUNE's "100 Best Companies to Work For" list for three straight years. IKEA recently received the Foreign Policy Association Award for Global Corporate Social Responsibility. IKEA incorporates environmentally friendly efforts into day-to-day business and continuously supports initiatives that benefit causes such as children and the environment including UNICEF, Save the Children and American Forests. To visit the IKEA Web site, please go to http://www.IKEA-usa.com. To learn more about IKEA environmental and social responsibility actions and programs, visit http://www.ikea-group.ikea.com/corporate/responsible/brochure.html.

About the Ethisphere Council

The Ethisphere Council was created in 2006 by Corpedia, a leader in risk assessment and eLearning for ethics and compliance, the Practising Law Institute, a non-profit organization committed to enhancing the professionalism of attorneys and others and LexisNexis, a leading provider of comprehensive information and business solutions; and Formed with support from such leading corporations as Deutsche Telekom, Time Warner, Dresser Industries, Avaya and Kraft, the council is dedicated to the research, creation, and sharing of best practices in ethics, compliance, and corporate governance among its membership companies. It also focuses on the development and advancement of its members through increased efficiency, innovation, tools, mentoring, advice, and unique career opportunities. More information on membership can be found at http://www.ethisphere.com.

IKEA

IKEA strives to be 'The Life Improvement Store,' and since its 1943 founding in Sweden, has offered home furnishings of good design and function, at low prices so the majority of people can afford them. There are currently more than 320 IKEA stores in 39 countries, including 38 in the U.S. IKEA...